Local foods in the U.S. - statistics & facts

According to a recent survey, over 42 percent of American aged between 50 and 64 stated that they prefer buying locally grown food products. This figures decreased to 33 percent for 18 to 29 year olds. When asked how often they eat locally grown foods, over a fifth of U.S. consumers stated to eat local food twice a week. Another survey found out that 58 percent of consumers are somewhat satisfied with healthy food options available in their local stores and restaurants.

Restaurants incorporating local foods into their menu stand to benefit from this recent trend, and many already have. Local food options such as house-made charcuterie were a recurring theme in restaurants in 2018. Patrons of fine dining restaurants are particularly eager to see local food options on the menu.

Meanwhile, the term “local” remains subjectively defined. In a consumer survey, some 96 percent of shoppers felt that a product must be grown, produced, or processed within 100 miles of where it is sold to be considered “local”, while a large share of respondents would consider any product produced in the same state worthy of the title. Definition aside, buying and eating local food is important to many modern shoppers in their selection of a primary grocery store.

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